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STIs: Myths & Misconceptions

Conversations concerning sex and sexual wellness are unfortunately still not as open as they need to be. Many people are uncomfortable discussing sexuality, sexual wellness, and, ultimately then, sexual health.  This includes STIs, which continue to be surrounded with a myriad of myths and misconceptions.  The internet, although oft times a helpful tool, can also be a breeding ground of misinformation.  It is important to always check that your sources are reliable when using the internet. And if not sure, then go speak with a healthcare provider for information.

STIs & the Myths that Need Debunking

As we have mentioned before, The World Health Organization estimates over 1 million STIs are acquired DAILY!  We can help reduce those numbers with factual and helpful methods of prevention – the biggest being awareness and education.   The Medical News Today article “Medical Myths: Sexual Health” helps debunk some of the myths that have circulated for years.

Myths

1. MYTH: If I am taking the Pill, I cannot get an STI.  FACT: Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancies. They cannot prevent an STI.  You need to still use a condom or dam when taking the Pill.
2. MYTH: Pulling out or Withdrawal reduces my chance of getting an STI. FACT:  Again, anytime there is genital contact a condom or dam is required. 
3. MYTH: Two condoms are safer than one.  FACT:  Never use more than one condom at a time as the friction of them rubbing together can actually cause them to tear.
4. MYTH: I can catch an STI from a public toilet seat. FACT: STIs are transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, oral sex, genital contact, sharing of sex toys and other sexual activity.  They are not transmittable via a toilet seat.
5. MYTH: You can’t get rid of an STI.  FACT: Some STIs are curable and others are treatable. Get tested if you show symptoms, have had unprotected sex, have a new partner, or as a regular part of your overall health.
6. MYTH: I will only get an STI if I have penetrative sex. FACT: Oral sex or sharing of sex toys, along with sharing needles, can also easily transmit an STI.
7. MYTH: I don’t have any symptoms so I am fine. FACT: Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you won’t show symptoms or they won’t appear for awhile. This means you will be spreading it unknowingly.  Get tested to ensure you are STI free.

Testing

Regular Testing is one of the important ways to ensure you are not sharing an STI unknowingly.  Testing is available online for discreet at home testing, through Public Health organizations and clinics, and your family doctor.  

Getting tested annually is a great place to start but Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights (both within Canada & Globally) also lists when further testing is appropriate and wise! 

• You have a new sexual partner, before you start hooking up
• If you have noticed any bumps, discharge, rashes or other changes in your body
• If you or your partners are hooking up with other people
• If you had sex with someone who has an STI and didn’t use a condom or other prevention methods
• If you had sex without a condom with someone who doesn’t know if they have an STI (because they haven’t gotten tested in a long time)
• If you had sex with a condom and the condom broke

How testing is done and how long it takes for results depends upon the type of STI.  The chart linked here, also through the Action Canada website, lists all this information in an easy-to-read format.

Know your Sexual Health status and practice having safer sex. Knowledge can help keep you safer! There are so many options to help keep sex safer while having fun.